45 Cozy Soups and One-Pot Meals That Make You Feel Glad You Didn’t Order Out
On days when energy is low, 45 cozy soups and one-pot meals can help you decide against spending money on delivery. Nothing beats the comfort of warm food that’s easy to assemble and doesn’t leave a mountain of dishes. Families and solo diners alike appreciate having a few reliable recipes at their fingertips.

Hearty Potato Soup

Layers of creamy comfort greet you with every spoonful of this Hearty Potato Soup. Even gray days feel warmer when the pot is bubbling on the stove. I serve big bowls whenever friends drop by unexpectedly. Everyone tends to scrape the bottom of the bowl for more.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Potato Soup
Beet Soup

Vivid color and earthy flavor combine for a memorable moment with this Beet Soup. Guests always seem surprised at how much they enjoy this one. I appreciate how it brightens up even the coldest dinner. Each bowl looks almost too pretty to eat.
Get the Recipe: Beet Soup
Split Pea Soup

Thick and full of smoky richness, this Split Pea Soup earns repeat requests as soon as winter hits. Silky texture pairs perfectly with a slice of bread for dunking. I enjoy scooping out big portions for lunch the next day. Hearty soups like this bring people together.
Get the Recipe: Split Pea Soup
Beef Chili

Deep flavor and just a bit of heat give this Beef Chili its unforgettable character. Whether you go for spicy or mild, every bowl feels like comfort in a cup. I top mine with whatever I have handy for extra fun. The pot empties quickly when guests are around.
Get the Recipe: Beef Chili
Vegetable Soup

Colorful veggies, light broth, and a bit of seasoning make this Vegetable Soup a balanced answer to busy days. Each ladle serves up something new and nourishing. I make extra for lunches since it keeps well in the fridge. Everyone loves the cheerful look on the table.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Soup
Ham and Potato Soup

Creamy spoonfuls meet savory flavor in this Ham and Potato Soup. The aroma draws people in before the first taste. I find it warms up any winter night or a quick lunch. People come back hoping there’s a second batch.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Potato Soup
Turkey Soup

Simple broth and tender morsels define this Turkey Soup. The recipe gives leftovers a new purpose. I ladle generous servings for anyone in need of comfort. This is one meal that brings back memories of special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Soup
Corn Chowder

Creamy sweetness pairs with pops of corn in this Corn Chowder. It’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners, especially when you want comfort without much effort. I sometimes sprinkle in extra herbs on top. The chowder disappears before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Corn Chowder
Vegetable Beef Soup

Hearty bites of beef and plenty of veggies fill every spoonful in this Vegetable Beef Soup. Each bowl chases away the cold after a long day. I bring this out for family gatherings since it appeals to all ages. Leftover soup quickly becomes tomorrow’s best lunch.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Beef Soup
Gnocchi Soup

Soft, pillowy dumplings make this Gnocchi Soup a game-changer for cozy nights. The simple flavors stick with you. I add it to the menu when I need an easy meal with a little fun. This soup never seems to last for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi Soup
Chicken Noodle Soup

Slurping up noodles in a steamy bowl of this Chicken Noodle Soup is a tradition that never gets old. Each mouthful feels like instant relief after a long day. I deliver extra to friends whenever they need a lift. Everyone asks for a refill.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Noodle Soup
Turkey Chili

Hearty beans and lean meat give this Turkey Chili a light but filling spin. Chilly evenings call for bowls piled high with toppings. I lean on this one for potlucks since it always vanishes first. Laughter seems to mix right in.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chili
Hearty Tortellini Soup

Pillows of pasta floating in comforting broth make this Hearty Tortellini Soup unforgettable. Each bite gives you a little surprise. I ladle out generous servings when appetites run big. Guests often want the recipe after tasting it.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Tortellini Soup
Marry Me Chicken Soup

Creamy broth and herby aroma separate this Marry Me Chicken Soup from the usual weekday options. Its warmth wraps around you with every sip. I pull out this recipe when I want friends to feel extra welcome. The pot empties as quickly as it’s filled.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Soup
Italian Wedding Soup

Tiny meatballs and green veggies show up in every bowl of this Italian Wedding Soup. The flavors balance lightness with comfort, never feeling heavy. I warm it up when only a meal with personality will do. Smiles always follow after the first taste.
Get the Recipe: Italian Wedding Soup
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

Soft, fluffy dumplings float in creamy broth in this Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings. Any night at home feels more comforting with a big pot on the stove. I’ve found leftovers disappear in no time. Some recipes just feel like a hug.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Smooth texture and a bright hue turn this Roasted Butternut Squash Soup into a cold-weather classic. Each spoonful delivers a sweet note and hidden depth. I bring this out for festive dinners or when I need a splash of color. Guests are always shocked at how flavorful it turns out.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Chicken Soup

Gentle warmth fills the kitchen with every pot of this Chicken Soup. Sore days and stressful evenings find new hope after a bowl or two. I like sending some home with guests. Homemade comfort just doesn’t go out of style.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Soup
Roasted Tomato Soup

Tangy tomato base and a silky finish give this Roasted Tomato Soup the power to convert even picky eaters. Comfort food can definitely be colorful. I reach for this recipe when grilled cheese needs a sidekick. Seeing bowls cleaned out is a highlight.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Soup
Clam Chowder

Silky soup with chunks of clam gives this Clam Chowder its spot on the comfort food list. The flavor feels like a trip to the coast. I serve it with crackers for an easy meal. Anyone hoping for leftovers is usually out of luck.
Get the Recipe: Clam Chowder
Chicken Dumpling Soup

Fluffy dumplings bobbing in rich broth make this Chicken Dumpling Soup something special. Eating it feels like taking a pause from the world. I crave this recipe on snow days and rainy nights. Refills are the norm.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Dumpling Soup
Taco Soup

Bright flavors, meaty bites, and plenty of toppings make this Taco Soup a party in a bowl. Fast prep keeps the stress low. I offer bowls of chips, cheese, and salsa for extra fun. Empty bowls return before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Taco Soup
Leek and Potato Soup

Soft leeks and creamy potatoes blend in this Leek and Potato Soup. The subtle taste brings out comfort without leaving you feeling too full. I use this recipe when lighter fare is in order. Each spoonful is soothing.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Potato Soup
Chicken Noodle Casserole

All the goodness of soup lands in a single pan with this Chicken Noodle Casserole. Baked pasta and creamy flavor win over picky eaters. I make it ahead for busy evenings. Hot from the oven, it draws everyone in.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Noodle Casserole
Cheeseburger Soup

Creaminess and savory bites combine in this Cheeseburger Soup for a dish that feels playful but still grown-up. The aroma hints at diner memories. I pass out bowls topped with crackers or croutons for crunch. Most guests don’t stop at one bowl.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Soup
White Bean Soup

Earthy flavors and a creamy finish help this White Bean Soup bring easy comfort to the weeknight table. The leftovers can be stretched into a quick lunch the next day. I ladle out seconds for anyone looking to warm up. Even non-bean fans often want more.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup
Chicken Pot Pie Soup

All the coziness of your favorite pie transfers into this Chicken Pot Pie Soup without the fuss of crust. Warm chunks and creamy broth make every spoonful count. I reach for this recipe during colder months when dinner needs a boost. Empty bowls always signal approval.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Mexican Spaghetti

Pasta night gets a lift from bold flavors in this Mexican Spaghetti. Each twirl has a little heat and a lot of comfort. I plate generous servings for anyone tired of the usual recipes. Colorful dinners like this keep things interesting.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Spaghetti
Egg Drop Soup

Wispy egg ribbons and gentle broth keep this Egg Drop Soup light yet comforting. Quick prep saves you when time is short. I love handing out steamy mugs during cold weather. Even kids ask for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Egg Drop Soup
Pea and Mint Soup

Fresh herbs and sweet peas melt together nicely in this Pea and Mint Soup. The bright green color feels cheerful in any season. I offer small bowls as starters for dinner parties. Lively flavors and cheerful looks always spark curiosity.
Get the Recipe: Pea and Mint Soup
Lentil Soup

Earthy lentils and simple spices come together for true comfort in this Lentil Soup. Every spoonful reminds you that easy food can still taste amazing. I store extra away for lunches since it holds up well. Nourishment never goes out of fashion.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Soup
Vegetarian Chili

Beans, veggies, and robust flavor allow this Vegetarian Chili to stand strong all on its own. Meatless meals are anything but boring. I keep toppings close by for some creativity at serving time. No one misses the beef in this big-flavor soup.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Chili
Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup

Juicy little meatballs and swirls of pasta fill up the bowl in this Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup. The slow cooker makes prep nearly effortless. I love greeting guests with the scent floating through the house. Smiling faces are the best review.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup
Sweet Potato Soup

Silky, sweet, and deeply comforting, this Sweet Potato Soup always brings warmth to the table. Its bright orange color lights up gray days. I dish out extra for anyone feeling under the weather. The soup goes quickly, no matter how big the batch.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Soup
Mushroom Soup

Gentle woodsiness and creaminess tag-team in this Mushroom Soup. Its simple, clean taste works for everyone. I ladle bowls for light dinners or pair them with sandwiches. The aroma means you’ll want to dig in right away.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Soup
Lamb Stew

Rich, slow-cooked broth and fork-tender chunks create a sense of old-fashioned coziness in this Lamb Stew. Deep flavors come out best after hours together in the pot. I serve it up when only the heartiest meal will do. The stew becomes the star of the night.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Stew
Creamy, Cheesy Broccoli Soup

Velvety cheese blends with green broccoli in this Creamy, Cheesy Broccoli Soup for comforting results. It’s easy to sneak seconds without any guilt. I let bowls cool just enough before pass-outs begin. Even those iffy about broccoli change their minds.
Get the Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy Broccoli Soup
Ham and Split Pea Soup

Smoky, tender meat mixes with thick broth in this Ham and Split Pea Soup. A single pot covers dinner and tomorrow’s lunch. I save extra for busy days when quick comfort is a must. Requests for the recipe always follow.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Split Pea Soup
Spicy Lasagna Soup

Plenty of pasta, bold tomato, and a spicy kick turn this Spicy Lasagna Soup into a weeknight hero. Slurping is polite here. I serve it with a dusting of cheese and watch faces light up. Leftovers only improve by the next meal.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Lasagna Soup
Beef Stew

Mouthwatering gravy and beef so tender it falls apart bring depth to this Beef Stew. The pot simmers away quietly in the background. I ladle out portions for appetites big and small. Most agree it tastes even better reheated.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew
Ham and Bean Soup

Savory bites and soft beans deliver satisfaction with each bowl of this Ham and Bean Soup. The recipe works year-round but feels especially welcome when it’s chilly outside. I tuck away single servings for quick lunches. People always seem surprised by how filling it is.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Bean Soup
Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Comfort layers stack up beautifully in this Chicken and Stuffing Casserole. It smells just like fall holidays and chilly nights. I fix two pans when appetites run high. Fewer leftovers make cleaning up much easier.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Chunky Minestrone Soup

Beans, pasta, and garden veggies give this Chunky Minestrone Soup color and depth. Every scoop seems to bring something different to the spoon. I pour extra into jars for grab-and-go meals. Anyone who loves variety in dinner goes back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Chunky Minestrone Soup
White Chicken Chili

Creamy, mild, and filled with hearty bites, this White Chicken Chili balances comfort and subtle spice. Toppings give each bowl a fun twist. I lean on this for crowd-pleasing dinners in winter. People often compliment the gentle heat.
Get the Recipe: White Chicken Chili
Mulligatawny Soup

Subtle curry and a blend of textures fill out this Mulligatawny Soup. Every slurp feels just a bit exotic but reassuring at the same time. I ladle it up for anyone ready to try something new. Cheerful table talk follows the first bites.
Get the Recipe: Mulligatawny Soup
About the Author

Hey there! I’m Mandy
Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.
She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.
She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.
